Prologue
Clara
“Hmph"
I slouch in the backseat, arms crossed, refusing to look at Jake.
The leather seats creak as I shift, the familiar scent of the ultra-tinted Jaguar F-Pace filling my nose. “You’re always late, Jake. You promised you’d be on time today.”
Jake sighs, his 6’3” frame taking up space beside me. “Come on,bug. I had some important stuff to take care of. You know how it is.”
My eyes roll to the car ceiling, and I draw my lower lip out in a mock pout, my 15-year-old attitude in full swing. “More important than your sister’s first day of summer break?”
And more important than the promise I made to Elle, I think bitterly.
I promised her a front-row seat to the “Jake Show” on her first day of summer break. She’s had the hots for Jake since what, elementary school? And I told her I’d make sure she’d get to see him today. But no, my brother just had to go and ruin it, like always.
I shoot him a scowl, but he just flashes me a cheeky smirk.
It’s not like I can blame Elle for crushing on him, though. Jake’s always been “Captain Dreamy,” the former football hero with that swoon-worthy smile, his athletic build, and chiseled features.
He’s the popular guy every girl wants to date, and every guy wants to be. Heck, he’s been turning heads for twenty-seven years.
But to me, he’s just my annoying older brother, the one who loves to tease me and ruffle my hair like I’m still a little kid. He might be Mr. Popular to the rest of the world, but to me, he’s just Jake.
And Jake’s all the family I’ve got. Dad might as well be a stranger.
Jake chuckles, his deep voice filling the car. “Nothing’s more important than you, Clara. But sometimes, grown-up stuff gets in the way.”
I scoff, turning to stare out the window at the passing scenery. “You’re not that grown-up. You’re only27.”
“And you’re just a kid at15,” Jake teases, reaching over to ruffle my hair.
I swat his hand away, trying to hide my smile. “Stop it, Jake! I’m not a kid anymore.”
Jake grins, his clear blue eyes crinkling at the corners. “You’ll always be my littlebabysister, no matter how old you get.”
“I’m not a baby, okay.” I snatch Jake’s hand and chomp down—well, pretend to. It’s all gums.
Jake’s eyes widen, pure mock horror. “Oh, no! The mafia princess has turned cannibal!”
I keep my teeth on his hand, eyes narrowed. “Better watch out.”
“Ouch! My hand!” Jake yelps, throwing his head back against the SUV’s seat dramatically. “I need that for, you know, mafia boss stuff!”
“Mafia? Yeah, right.” I let go and give him a light smack. “Drama king.”
I glance outside just in time to catch sight of a small lake. The sunlight sparkles on the water, sending flashes of light that dance across the interior of the SUV.
The sun streams in, heating my face, and I can’t help but break into a grin.
Summer’s the best.
Summer means no boarding school, just Jake and I. It’s the best part of the year, really. Getting to hang out without any rules or schedules—it’s like we’re kids again, just goofing around. I count down the days until summer every year, just waiting for that.
“Ohmygod, bug.” Jake wiggles his fingers, inspecting them. “Look at these teeth marks. Brutal!”
“Please. You’d cry if I actually bit you.” I cross my arms, shooting him a challenging look.
